The Bible offers principles for raising children in faith. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture addresses baptizing children.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Baptizing
What Does The Bible Say About Baptizing Children
Acts 16:33
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
This verse shows that entire families were baptized together, indicating that the practice of baptizing children was accepted in the early church.
Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
Jesus encouraged the inclusion of children and affirmed their place in the kingdom of God, suggesting that they are eligible for baptism.
1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
This verse teaches that children of believers are considered holy. Baptism can be seen as a means of formally dedicating them to God and acknowledging their status as part of the believing community.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In the Great Commission, Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples and baptize them. This command does not exclude children, as they too can be recipients of discipleship and baptism.
Acts 2:37-39
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Peter’s words on the day of Pentecost emphasize that the call to repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit is for both adults and their children, reinforcing the inclusion of children in the act of baptism.
Luke 18:15-16
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
Jesus’s words affirm the importance of children and their eligibility for God’s kingdom. This passage supports the practice of baptizing infants and young children.
1 Peter 3:21
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Baptism is seen as a means of salvation in this verse. The sacrament can extend to children, providing an opportunity for them to appeal to God for a good conscience and receive the benefits of Christ’s resurrection.
Colossians 2:11-12
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Baptism is paralleled with circumcision in this passage. Just as infants were circumcised in the Old Testament, infants can also receive the spiritual circumcision of baptism in the New Testament era.
Acts 22:16
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
This verse emphasizes the cleansing aspect of baptism and the washing away of sins. Children, too, can partake in this act of spiritual cleansing and be initiated into the faith community through baptism.
1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Baptism serves as a means of washing, sanctification, and justification. Children, like adults, can experience these transformative aspects through the sacrament of baptism.
Galatians 3:26-27
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Being baptized into Christ involves becoming sons and daughters of God. Children can be included in this spiritual adoption and identity through baptism.
Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Baptism symbolizes participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, leading to a renewed life. Children can experience this transformation and be born anew through the sacrament of baptism.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Being born of water and the Spirit is essential for entering the kingdom of God. Baptism serves as the means by which this new birth occurs, making it relevant for children as well.
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
There is only one baptism for all believers, whether adults or children. This verse affirms the equality of baptismal access for people of all ages.
Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
In this passage, Jesus is baptized as an example for his followers. Just as Jesus was not excluded from baptism, children can also participate in this act of obedience and identification with Christ.
Acts 22:16
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'”
This verse highlights the connection between baptism and the cleansing of sins. Children can receive this forgiveness through baptism and be welcomed into the community of believers.
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is seen as an act of regeneration and renewal, accomplished by God’s mercy. Children can experience this divine work through the sacrament of baptism.
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Men and women, indiscriminate of age, were baptized after believing in the message of the kingdom of God. Children, too, can believe and be baptized as followers of Christ.
1 John 3:1-2
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is.
Baptism helps us understand our identity as children of God. Children can enter into this familial relationship through the sacrament of baptism.
Romans 6:3
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Baptism is a participation in the death of Christ and an identification with His redemptive work. Children can join in this participation and experience the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Acts 10:47-48
“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
The example of Cornelius and his household shows that the Holy Spirit came upon them before their baptism, suggesting that even children can receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized.
Matthew 19:13-15
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.
Jesus’s welcoming and blessing of the children indicates that they are valued members of the kingdom of heaven. Baptism is also a means of extending this kingdom identity to children.
John 1:12
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Believing in Jesus and receiving Him grants the privilege of becoming children of God. Children can exercise this belief and become part of God’s family through the sacrament of baptism.